As we count down the days until the total eclipse, we’re looking around at all the other Austinites getting their creative juices flowing before this once-in-a-lifetime event! Enter: Michael Graham of Austin Beerworks, whose collaboration with Zilker Brewing & Meanwhile Brewing has developed a uniquely Austin beer, just for the eclipse. In this Mid-Week Intermission, get to know Michael, the creativity behind the brewing community, and what you can expect from this particular brew 🍻
MEET MICHAEL GRAHAM of AUSTIN BEERWORKS
Long Center: Welcome to Mid-Week Intermission!
We usually ask people for a song to go with their interview, but in this case, what’s been your go-to drink lately?
Michael Graham (MG): Like my kids, I love all of our beers equally; but I love some more than others on certain days. Honestly, my go-to drink lately has been our Hop Water. It’s a non-alcoholic, hop-infused sparkling water we recently started making.
LC: Before we get to the eclipse — Austin Beerworks is pretty much synonymous with Austin. How did you find yourself here and what do you think makes Austin and Austin Beerworks a perfect pair?
MG: I was lucky and grew up in Austin, so it’s always been home for me. When I started drinking beer (after I was 21, of course), I fell in love with craft beer but I found a lot of it was too thick and heavy for our summers. At Austin Beerworks, we try to make all of our beers as crisp and clean as possible, specifically with hot weather in mind.
LC: The nation-wide link between breweries and the Simons Foundation for their In the Path of Totality initiative is a pretty cool mix of community + science. Can you describe the national beer collaboration and how you found out about it? What makes this equation so unique?
MG: When the Simons Foundation reached out, we initially thought it was a scam because it sounded too good to be true. It’s really rare that any group wants to just do something really fun and cool without asking for anything in return, but that’s been our experience with this project.
Getting to work alongside all the other participating breweries, celebrating and collaborating on what’s likely to be a once-in-a-lifetime event, has been of the best professional experiences of my life.
LC: We love that brewing is also a creative pursuit — how did you decide what an eclipse tastes like, let alone turn it into a beer? Our staff have been taking bets.
MG: As much as I’d love to take credit, my partner Will Golden, along with the brewers at Meanwhile and Zilker, deserve all the credit for developing the recipe. I think they were going for something light and bright, but that would also melt your face off. They nailed it.
LC: Locally, anyone joining us for the Total Eclipse Viewing Party on April 8 will also be able to enjoy 3 special eclipse-themed beers — what can you tell us about them?
MG: In addition to this collaboration beer, all three breweries are making individual beers for the eclipse as well. We wanted to play off of the eclipse experience, so we each made a different shade of beer. Ours is a bright golden IPA called Yellow Giant, Zilker’s is an Amber Mexican Lager called Sol Searching, and Meanwhile’s is a Black IPA called Icarus’s Revenge.
LC: What does it mean to you for the brewing community to be front & center for such an iconic moment, considering food & drink (and, of course, beer in some areas) would have been an active part of communities across the world in 1397, the year of the last total solar eclipse in Austin?
MG: We talk about this a lot — what role do we want our beers to play in people’s lives? And this is a perfect example of our ideal scenario: Whether it’s a wedding or a concert or an eclipse, having something we made be a part of a life-defining event is such an amazing feeling and honor.
LC: We’re excited to celebrate on April 8! Will Austin Beerworks be at the Total Eclipse Viewing Party? Any other exciting upcoming collaborations you’d like to tease?
MG: We’ll be hosting a viewing party at our new Sprinkle Valley location off of Springdale Road. After that, we’re looking forward to a nice little break until we celebrate our 13th Anniversary on May 4.
Thanks, Michael!
Let’s hear it for the creativity of our Austin brewers 🍻 we can’t wait to raise a glass as we anticipate totality at 1:36pm on April 8 for Simons Foundations Total Eclipse Viewing Party. It’s free, it’s community, it’s science… ready to party like it’s 1397?
Who doesn’t love it when things just ✨ line up? ✨ Like running into a long lost friend, or a song you just talked about comes on the radio, or even… the cosmos aligning perfectly for a total solar eclipse right where you are. In this Mid-Week Intermission, we linked up with Annie Saunders and Andrew Schneider, the two artists of Point A who have created a one-of-a-kind, site-specific soundwalk for Austin to celebrate exactly this, when the heres and nows meet. Read on to learn more about ECLIPSING.
MEET ANNIE & ANDREW OF POINT A
Long Center: First off, since we’re here to talk about your upcoming soundwalk (more on that later) — could you suggest some music or ambient sounds people should put on while they read this interview, just for fun?
Annie Saunders (ANNIE) & Andrew Schneider (AJS): We’ll make it simple! Here’s a playlist we’ve made just for them.
LC: How did you find each other and what’s the story behind Point A?
AJS: I was building an interactive typewriter to control a lighting sculpture for a theater show in LA. Annie was acting in the show. I flew to LA to show the cast how to use the typewriter and Annie and I collaborated on the best way to use the typewriter as an instrument. Later I actually ended up being in that show.
Years passed. Annie hired me as a lighting designer on a show that she made in the Oculus in NYC, which was a full-sized house in the middle of this massive transit hub. Annie made this incredible show illuminating domestic abuse through financial control complete with interviews of survivors. You’d go through the house one at a time and hear all these stories and see snippets from their lives. Afterwards there were therapists and abuse support folks you could talk to. I did the interactive lighting design for it. It was really the first time I thought, “oh, interactive/immersive theater has really an incredible power.”
I invited Annie to come speak at a class I was teaching in NYC at this techno-centric grad school called The Interactive Telecommunications Program at NYU. It was all about paying closer attention to your own reality — really listening to the world around you — in order to be better at storytelling when making art, especially new media. I realized we shared a lot of the same ideas about theater-making — basically, that it’s not something that happens “over there.” It’s something that can be all around you if you frame it in a certain way.
Then Annie got a commission to make a soundwalk in NYC during the pandemic. She called me up and I said yes, we decided to start making place-reactive media and performance together in addition to our own other work. We premiered that piece (CURRENT) in 2021, then premiered KORMOS in Athens, Greece, in 2022, and now we’re here in Austin!
LC: Speaking of being in Austin, tell us about ECLIPSING — what’s the inspiration behind this work?
ANNIE: The work is inspired by the total solar eclipse, which will be visible from Austin in April 2024 — the moon will cover the sun resulting in about 2 minutes of darkness in the middle of the day. It makes us think about alignment, simultaneity, synchronicity, connectedness, the cosmos, and how invisible forces are at work in our world all the time, literally and figuratively.
AJS: Eclipses are all about being in the right place at the right time. And all of Austin is going to be in the right place at the right time. The whole community will have access to this incredible celestial event. But we can also scale this down and see how it is at play in our daily lives. The cosmic timings of our trips to the grocery store — how we met the people we fell in love with — and the things that almost happened but never did — every decision or non-decision contributes to our now and our collective now — which I think is cool.
LC: What drew you to soundwalks as an artform?
ANNIE: These projects for me tap into the essential qualities of liveness — being in the right place at the right time for something magical to occur for just that audience in that moment, never exactly the same way twice. I also hope that it brings people into relationship with the city in a new, personal, physical, imaginative, and memorable way.
AJS: I was really skeptical at first. I really don’t like the audience having to put anything artificial on, especially in the theater. But so many people wear headphones outside all the time — soundtrack their own lives in a way — that I thought, “oh, this is perfect actually. Let’s tap into what those folks are already doing and amp it up a little.”
LC: What’s been the most exciting part about creating this site-specific work for Austin?
ANNIE: The community here in Austin has been amazing and this area is so special to so many people. It’s been an honor to create work in response to it.
AJS: Any time I describe the project to anyone, it’s met with genuine curiosity and usually an interest to know more. The collaborators we are able to work with on the ground here are the most genuine, generous, and talented team we’ve worked with on these projects. The scene here in Austin to me is like NYC but way more welcoming and way less ego-driven. Also, Slacker.
LC: What makes Austin different than some of your other soundwalk locations?
ANNIE: There’s nowhere on earth quite like Austin 🙂
AJS: Each place is completely unique. We spend months in these places to try to get a sense of what it’s like to be a human being in a public place. We don’t come with a story we already want to tell, we come with listening as the highest priority.
LC: Any advice on how folks can best enjoy ECLIPSING?
ANNIE: Bring your phone (charged) and your best headphones. Pack light, wear comfortable shoes, bring water.
AJS: Other than that, there’s no wrong way. I’d try to be open — to listen to what’s around me — to try to see things as if I don’t already know what they are.
LC: How can folks follow you and keep up with your other projects?
Andrew is over at andrewjs.com and @helloandrewjs on socials (be on the lookout for another show headed to Austin in 2025!).
Annie is at anniesaunders.work or @annie.saunders_ on Instagram. Next up is ‘Our Country’ at On the Boards in Seattle later in March.
ECLIPSING // MAR 9 – 12
Learn more about this free site-specific soundwalk, where it starts, how to acces, and more. Check our FAQ for details.
If RSVPs are full, check back often as more time slots get added or open up.
ECLIPSING was recorded both on location and at Preacher Studios, and produced in collaboration with Squeak E. Clean Studios.
Interested in other eclipse-related programming?
This project was made possbile by the Simons Foundation and is part of its ‘In the Path of Totality’ initiative.
As part of that initiative, Austin is celebrating with 3 days of events including a Solar Eclipse Viewing Party right here at the Long Center and more events happening with Waterloo Greenway and Fusebox. Can’t wait to party like it’s 1397!
If you’ve been to the Long Center lately (and we hope you have), chances are you’ve seen the team from Dulce Vida Tequila out and about! When we have the pleasure of partnering with a local business as passionate and excited about Austin as we are, we like to celebrate it. So in celebration of National Margarita Day, coming up on February 22, get to know our sponsor Dulce Vida Tequila in this interview to find out why Dulce Vida + Long Center = the perfect pairing.
🍹 CONTEST TIME 🍹
Forget about National Margarita Day — at the Long Center this February, we’re celebrating National Margarita Week! When you attend a Long Center Presents show on February 19 – 24, submit your secret margarita ingredient in the lobby for a chance to shape a signature Dulce Vida Tequila cocktail for The Drop-In this summer! It could be weird, wacky, a traditional favorite, or off the wall. Our winner will also receive a Dulce Vida Tequila giveaway and other goodies.
WHAT’S ON at the LC
FEB 19 @ 7:30pm // Black Violin Experience Tour, with special guest Abraham Alexander
FEB 20 @ 7:30pm // Renée Fleming
FEB 21 @ 7:30pm // An Evening with Bill Nye
FEB 24 @ 8:00pm // Cassette Roulette, starring John Cameron Mitchell
Get to know Dulce Vida Tequila
Long Center: Something we just like to do for fun — what music should folks put on while they read this interview?
Dulce Vida Tequila: Dulce Vida is all about being approachable, adventurous, and FUN! We’re also based here in Austin! So a fun music playlist that brings this to life with uptempo, high energy, dance, pop, rock, and vibey tunes, with a heavy dose of local Austin bands/musicians sprinkled throughout would be perfect.
LC: How did Dulce Vida Tequila come to call Austin home? What’s your story?
Dulce Vida: Dulce Vida Tequila’s founders knew that Austin is a cool, weird, eclectic city with a history of successful startup brands. It’s also one that shares our values, such as being organic and sustainably produced, so what better place to launch an organic, additive-free, sustainable tequila than Austin, TX, baby!
LC: We know (and love) that sustainability is a big deal to Dulce Vida. Can you tell us more about that? What about Austin inspires you to keep sustainability a priority?
Dulce Vida: The concept of sustainability was very strategic in the selection of our tequila production facility. The facility not only had to be capable of making an award-winning product, but also had to meet requirements for organic production and overall sustainability measures — being a kind partner to the environment and local community.
A complete recapture of all production waste is performed and yields a nutrient-rich soil supplement to the local farming community. Furthermore, as a by-product of waste collection & processing, methane gas is captured, creating an energy source utilized to power the facility.
Austin has always been a city that prioritizes the environment, holistic, natural approaches to wellness, and clean living (like Whole Foods), so taking that shared ethos of sustainable practices and better-for-you products, it only made sense for our founders in their development and creation of Dulce Vida Tequila to create a tequila brand that did the same. For example, Dulce Vida Tequilas are all organic and additive free. Our infused Tequilas are also made with real fruit and are low calorie/low carb. For more information on our process, please visit DulceVidaSpirits.com!
LC: How does Dulce Vida stay connected to the local community?
Dulce Vida: Dulce Vida Tequila is very involved in the Austin scene — from our revered partnerships with historic entities such as the Long Center and Texas Longhorns Athletics, to the Austin Chronicle’s ‘Austin Music Awards’ that highlight the important local music scene, and to strong local art collectives like Almost Real things, The Cathedral, and more.
Dulce Vida is truly part of the Austin fabric as a supporter of charitable and philanthropic organizations like the Health Alliance for Austin Musicians (HAAM), events such as the Maudie’s Moonlight Margarita Run which benefits The Trail Conservancy, as well as other giving organizations like Soccer Assist, the Junior League of Austin, and the American Cancer Society.
Dulce Vida Tequila is also proud to support organizations that champion inclusivity such as the ATX Gay Flag Football League, the Human Rights Campaign, and Out Youth, to name a few. It’s such an honor and privilege to showcase our 100% pure agave, USDA Organic, and certified Additive Free tequila to the Austin community. Stay connected with us with a follow on Instagram @DulceVidaTequila to learn more.
LC: Why is it important for the Dulce Vida team to partner with venues like the Long Center?
Dulce Vida: The Long Center has been an iconic venue in Austin for many years, helping support, highlight, and showcase the best there is to offer in the performing arts universe (locally and globally). The Long Center does a great job of bringing world-renowned acts to our city for locals to enjoy while also championing established local acts and giving up-and-coming artists opportunities to highlight themselves.
The Long Center also offers incredible (and free!) experiential opportunities (The Drop-In, for example) for locals to enjoy our city, smack dab in the heart of Austin with the greatest view of the city, our beautiful downtown Austin skyline as the backdrop. Dulce Vida is proud to partner with the Long Center for doing such a great job of giving Austinites a place we are proud to call our own. Plus, we hear you can get a great Dulce Vida cocktail there!
LC: Can you leave us with a margarita recipe for folks to try at home as a treat for reading?
Dulce Vida: Absolutely. This is one of our favorites:
The Dulce Vida “Sweet Heat” Margarita
- 1.5 oz Dulce Vida Pineapple Jalapeño Tequila
- .5 oz Naranja Orange Liqueur
- .5 oz Fresh Lime Juice
- .25 oz Pineapple Juice
Pour ingredients into a shaker over ice. Shake vigorously. Pour contents into a glass with ice. Garnish with a lime wheel and pineapple wedge. Optional: add 1-2 jalapeño rings for more heat. Enjoy!
Don’t forget! When you’re at the Long Center for Black Violin, Renée Fleming, Bill Nye, or Cassette Roulette, submit an ingredient for your chance to win a Dulce Vida Tequila giveaway + shape a signature cocktail for The Drop-In. See you in the lobby!
At the Long Center, we’ve always got a new partnership or something cool we know you’ll want to check out! Find and follow us @longcenter on your social media platform of choice, and we’ll see you real soon.
Time to take a look behind the curtain, uhh… actually, behind the audio console! It’s a busy month at the Long Center, and that means our production staff are doing what they do best — making magic happen on stage. So catch up with Riley Burgess, our House AV Technician (that’s audio-visual), in today’s Mid-Week Intermission to get a glimpse of the work it takes to make a show unforgettable.
Hi y’all, I am Riley Burgess
Growing up here in Austin, TX, I’ve been around music my entire life. My younger sister’s been a very successful cello player from a young age, my dad is in a local band, and my mom is in the Audio Archiving industry. I played upright bass in orchestra throughout middle-high school, picked up drums as well, and still play in my free time.
After graduating high school, I took classes at Austin Community College to learn the audio engineering trade, and soon after I got a passion for live sound. I started mixing bands at a variety of music venues around Austin and mixed a few regional festivals, too. I did some work at the Scottish Rite Theatre working comedy shows, album release shows, and children’s theatre. Later on, I started touring with a few bands as well as a puppet show! I did a lot of AV (that’s audio-visual) work for conferences at hotels and the convention center. I also learned video and rigging.
When the pandemic hit, all in-person stagehand and entertainment work stopped. I did work as an electrical apprentice and learned much more than I expected in such a short period of time. It was an amazing learning experience for me, and I now have a deeper understanding of mechanical things. When live events picked back up I was able to continue working AV again. The opportunity to work for the Long Center came up in 2022 and I was glad I took it! Very glad to be here!
Every work day is a little different. Some days are longer than others and may require coming in at a different time of the day than others. Typically, I come in and check for any updates on equipment needs. Depending on the day, I’ll gather equipment on carts to set up in Dell Hall or sometimes Kodosky. We are very fortunate to have time to perform maintenance and to have the tools to make necessary repairs as needed.
Once a week the production department will meet to discuss our shows and events coming up. I’m looking forward to the Concert Club shows as well as what’s coming up in Dell Hall. We are preparing for future upgrades in our AV system and looking forward to that, too.
My creativity comes out the most when I’m mixing a music group no matter the genre. Microphone selection is both a creative process and a mathematic process. Placement of microphones and on-stage speakers require some creativity to make sure instruments and the talent have enough coverage. If appropriate, I’ll use reverb and delay effects to emphasize certain passages in the lyrics. Other creativity comes out when new gear is installed and mounting hardware needs to be custom made.
Okay, speed round!
Favorite behind-the-scenes part of the LC?
I really love our patchbays! They allow us to route audio and video signals to specific parts of Dell Hall and the other spaces in the building. I also find sanctuary at the workbench to make audio and video cables.
Any advice for audio up-and-comers?
Never be afraid to ask questions! Follow audio-video manufacturers on social media and learn the theories involved. Learning to repair your gear is important and it will help you become more conscious of the way the electricity flows to create that picture or that sound.
Also, advocate for yourself and others to make the live event production industry even better to work in.
If touring with bands is something you wanna do, you gotta get out there and network. Mixing a band’s set at a venue could land you a tour.
Lastly, always be punctual and mix with intention. Be yourself, people will like you for you.
Just for fun — what are you listening to right now?
I listen to a wide variety of music. From Paganini to Ringo Deathstarr, and Black Sabbath to Sharon Jones. Lately, I’ve been listening to Robert Glasper’s album Black Radio as well as Duster’s album Stratosphere.
At the Long Center, we’ve always got a new partnership or something cool we know you’ll want to check out! Find and follow us @longcenter on your social media platform of choice, and we’ll see you real soon.
What does a globetrotting former radio journalist do with his spare time in Austin? Curate a music series, of course! We caught up with John Burnett, creator of World Music Encounters at St. David’s Episcopal Church in this Mid-Week Intermision. Austin is the Live Music Capital of the World, after all!
My name is John Burnett, and after spending 43 years as a daily journalist mainly describing how messed up things are in the world, I get to deliver joy.
I retired last year after 36 years as a roving national correspondent for National Public Radio. Yes, I’m that voice you used to hear on the radio usually talking about Tex-Mex border mayhem or hurricane damage or political polarization. If you catch me now as the emcee of our nine-concert world music series, I’m introducing and interviewing incredible musicians from West Africa, Ireland, Colombia, Morocco, Iran, Cuba, and Mexico. It’s good to wear a new hat!
Having traveled the globe a fair bit for NPR, I was always checking out the music scene in the far-flung places I was assigned, whether Kabul, Bogotá, Nairobi, or Tokyo. My wife, Margaret, and I are live music fanatics. (We also play and sing in two bands: WhoDo and the Panama Hats.) We kept discovering more and more fantastic foreign-born musicians, but they were sort of marginalized here in our Home With the Armadillo (sorry, Gary P. Nunn).
I approached Father Chuck Treadwell, rector of St. David’s and damn good guitar picker himself, and asked, why do we keep renting out our gorgoeus, 170-year-old sanctuary to other concert producers when we can come up with our own awesome music series? That’s how World Music Encounters was born. The idea is to bring world music center-stage in the Live Music Capital, as well as educate and enlighten our audiences to the rich musical landscapes far from 512.
We call them Encounters because, as a journalist, I love to hear peoples’ stories. So I join the musicians onstage midway through the two-hour performance and ask them about their music, their muse, their instruments, and their journey to Austin. Most of our artists live right here in Austin, and the cool thing is that they moved here to the nation’s tenth largest city because we are a global musical mecca — with lots of venues, appreciative audiences, and a deep pool of talented musicians.
World Music Encounters at St. David’s has caught on. We had a sellout crowd of 300 at our inaugural concert in September. Our audiences have learned that once a month — Sundays 5-7pm — they will hear often unfamiliar music made by virtuosic artists, and the listeners will learn about the nature of this music. Last month, Ibrahim Aminou, a gifted kora player from Niger, showed us how the talking drum was used by his ancestors to mimic human speech and communicate messages between villages in West Africa. It was spellbinding.
Our four remaining concerts:
Gabriel Santiago Project // FEB 11
An all-star Brazilian quartet. Gabriel holds a PhD in music composition from UT; JazzTimes described him as “a young master on both acoustic and electric guitars.”
Mariachi Las Alteñas // MAR 3
A 12-piece, all-female supergroup from San Antonio that wows audiences at mariachi festivals across the USA.
Sofrito y Su Melao // APR 14
A local Cuban ensemble that plays wide-ranging music from the Caribbean and interacts with the audience in innovative performances.
Oliver Rajamani // MAY 12
An Austin treasure who blends Indian, Flamenco, Romani, and Texas music.
Tickets are $35, $25, and $10 for students, available through Eventbrite.
All ages, family friendly, and free downtown parking!
At the Long Center, we’ve always got a new partnership or something cool we know you’ll want to check out! Find and follow us @longcenter on your social media platform of choice, and we’ll see you real soon.
You may think fall is all about cider, tea, and hot chocolate, but we’ve got another beverage on our minds — wine! Fall signals the end of the grape growing season so it’s the perfect time to slip on those fuzzy socks, snuggle up under a cozy blanket, and sip that Chardonnay (or perhaps a Beaujolais Nouveau? 😉) or whatever your heart desires 🍷
To celebrate the harvest season, we teamed up with Wanderlust Wine Co. (*cough cough*, a member of our Business Arts Council and venue sponsor) for Beaujolais Nouveau Day, featuring live music by 8 1/2 Souvenirs, Julie Slim and RendezVous, and of course… wine!
Get a glimpse behind the proverbial curtain and get to know Wanderlust owner and sommelier Sammy Lam, what he loves about Austin, and why he thinks local music is essential 👇
MEET SAMMY & WANDERLUST WINE CO.
Long Center: Something we just like to do for fun — what song should folks put onwhile they read this interview?
Sammy Lam: Move Your Feet – Junior Senior
LC: We’d love for our audience to know more about you and how Wanderlust got started right here in Austin, TX. What’s your story?
SAMMY LAM: Crafting the World’s Largest Wine on Tap Winery!
In 2020, amidst a global challenge, I embarked on a venture that would redefine the world of wine and hospitality, giving birth to Wanderlust Wine Co. The vision was audacious: to create a haven where people could embark on a sensory adventure, exploring wines from all corners of the globe.
This dream didn’t just stop at wine; it expanded to embrace coffee, food, and community-centric events and activations. These partnerships added new dimensions to our offerings, weaving a tapestry of experiences and community while ensuring that wine remained at our core.
The years brought remarkable growth. Wanderlust Wine Co. now proudly stands with 3 current locations, all of which are continuously working toward enhancing our offerings and elevating the collective experience for our patrons. Our mission remains clear: to provide a space where diverse flavors converge, where conversations flow, and where every sip and bite tells a story.
Our dedication to excellence has not gone unnoticed. Wanderlust has been honored with prestigious awards, including the title of Best Winery, bestowed upon us by the Austin Chronicle in both 2022 and 2023. In 2021, the wine-loving community embraced us with the People’s Choice Keggy Award by Free Flow Wines, a testament to the love and passion we pour into our craft as well as our mission toward sustainability in wine.
On a deeply personal note, I was humbled to be recognized as the Businessman of the Year by the Greater Austin Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, a recognition that goes beyond an individual achievement and speaks volumes about the collaborative spirit of the entire Wanderlust family.
This journey is a testament to the power of dreams, persistence, and the unwavering commitment to excellence. Wanderlust Wine Co. is not just a destination; it’s a celebration of flavors, a testament to diversity, and a reminder that every glass we raise is a toast to the extraordinary journey we’ve undertaken together. Here’s to the spirit of exploration, the joy of discovery, and the richness of every moment we share.
LC: There’s a lot to love about the Austin community, but what about it brought you here and keeps Wanderlust here?
SAMMY LAM: The Austin community is more than just a location for Wanderlust Wine Co.; it’s an integral part of our story and identity. What brought us here and keeps us rooted in this vibrant city is a beautiful blend of factors.
First and foremost, Austin’s open-hearted embrace of innovation and entrepreneurship is what drew us in. It’s a city that champions dreamers and risk-takers, and that resonated with our vision of creating something truly unique in the world of wine. Austin’s spirit aligns perfectly with our own journey, where we turned a dream into reality during a time of global challenge.
The sense of community in Austin is also a driving force. We’ve been welcomed with open arms, and it’s this warm reception that keeps us deeply connected. The diverse and inclusive nature of the Austin community mirrors our values at Wanderlust. We believe that wine is for everyone, and in Austin, we’ve found a community that celebrates this inclusive ethos.
Austin’s thriving food and beverage scene, including its vibrant coffee culture and food truck delights, has allowed us to expand our offerings and provide a richer experience to our patrons. The collaborative spirit of the city’s culinary artisans and partners has added an exciting layer to our journey.
Moreover, the recognition and accolades we’ve received from Austin, such as being named the Best Winery by the Austin Chronicle, have been truly heartening. It reflects the appreciation and love we’ve received from this community.
In Austin, we’ve not just found a place to do business; we’ve found a home. The eclectic energy, the warmth of its people, and the spirit of continuous reinvention are the forces that keep Wanderlust firmly rooted here. Our commitment to excellence and the joy of sharing flavors are amplified in this incredible city. So, in many ways, we believe that we didn’t just choose Austin; Austin chose us, and it’s a choice we cherish every day.
LC: We teamed up on an event to celebrate Beaujolais Nouveau Day. Can you tell all of us what the day commemorates and why we celebrated?
SAMMY LAM: Beaujolais Nouveau Day is a delightful holiday that commemorates the release of the first wine of the season from the Beaujolais region in France. It falls on the third Thursday of November every year, and its significance lies in the celebration of new beginnings, the joy of the harvest, and the anticipation of something fresh and exciting.
This day holds a special place in the hearts of wine lovers around the world, including us at Wanderlust Wine Co. It symbolizes the art of winemaking, the journey of the grape from the vine to the glass, and the moment when we can savor the fruits of the harvest. For us, it’s an extension of our commitment to sharing the world of wine with our community, be it the classics or the novelties.
We celebrated Beaujolais Nouveau Day as an ode to the tradition of winemaking and the sheer pleasure of indulging in a wine that’s just been born. It’s a reminder that every glass we raise is a toast to the beauty of exploration, the joy of discovery, and the richness of the journey. Just as we embrace innovation and diversity in the world of wine, we celebrate the traditions that make wine an integral part of our lives.
This celebration was not just about a single day; it was a reflection of our ongoing journey at Wanderlust Wine Co. A journey marked by dreams turned into reality, deep connections with the Austin community, and the commitment to excellence in every sip. Beaujolais Nouveau Day resonates with the essence of what we stand for: embracing new beginnings and cherishing the timeless traditions in the world of wine.
LC: What made you want to partner with the Long Center on this event?
SAMMY LAM: Our partnership with the Long Center for this event is deeply rooted in our shared appreciation for the arts and the belief that great performances and exceptional experiences deserve to be celebrated. The Long Center, as a hub for the performing arts, has a rich history of hosting incredible events and performances throughout the year, and we are deeply humbled by the opportunity to co-host and celebrate the arts, be it in the form of music or the artistry of winemaking.
The Long Center’s commitment to creating a space where the arts can flourish aligns perfectly with our own mission at Wanderlust Wine Co. Just as we curate experiences that blend the magic of music and wine, the Long Center fosters an environment where creativity, talent, and the joy of art take center stage.
Beaujolais Nouveau Day, with its celebration of new beginnings and fresh wine, was a perfect occasion for this collaboration. It was a moment to revel in the arts, savor the flavors, and create memories that resonate with the heart. Our shared dedication to offering unique, exceptional experiences makes this partnership a natural fit.
Together with the Long Center, we had the privilege of bringing together the worlds of music and wine, bridging the gap between art and indulgence. We were excited to celebrate Beaujolais Nouveau Day with an event that not only pays homage to a remarkable wine tradition but also adds an artistic layer to the festivities.
In essence, our partnership with the Long Center is a celebration of the arts, a toast to creativity, and a harmonious blend of culture and flavor. It’s a reminder that art, whether in the form of music or wine, has the power to unite, inspire, and create moments of pure joy. This collaboration was our way of raising a glass to the magic of art and the beauty of shared experiences.
LC: Why is it important for you and the Wanderlust team to make a space for local music?
SAMMY LAM: At Wanderlust Wine Co., the fusion of music and wine is not just a concept; it’s a deeply ingrained part of our identity. We have consistently made space for local music because we believe that these two art forms, when paired together, create something truly extraordinary.
Music has an innate ability to touch the soul, to evoke emotions, and to bring people together. It’s a universal language that transcends boundaries and connects individuals on a profound level. In many ways, it’s similar to wine, which carries its own stories and emotions within every glass.
Our commitment to local music reflects our dedication to creating an all-encompassing experience for our patrons. When they step into Wanderlust, we want them to not only savor our wines but also immerse themselves in the magic of live music. Whether it’s Winechella, our signature event, or the days when we had live music seven days a week, it’s about curating moments that linger in the heart and memory.
Local music, in particular, holds a special place in our hearts. It’s a celebration of the talent that surrounds us, a tribute to the Austin community that has embraced us with open arms. By providing a stage for local musicians, we aim to amplify their voices and contribute to the cultural tapestry of this remarkable city.
Music and wine share a unique synergy, enhancing each other’s flavors and melodies. Just as different wines evoke different moods and sensations, music sets the tone for an evening of togetherness, celebration, and joy. We believe in the power of this combination to create unforgettable experiences and lasting connections.
In essence, making space for local music at Wanderlust Wine Co. is not just about filling a physical space; it’s about enriching the space in people’s hearts. It’s about fostering a sense of community, of shared moments, and of appreciation for the arts. It’s our way of saying that, like the perfect wine pairing, the blend of music and wine is a harmonious symphony that elevates life’s moments to something truly extraordinary.
LC: Any other future events or projects in the works at Wanderlust that you can tease?
SAMMY LAM: At Wanderlust Wine Co., the journey never stops, and we’re excited to offer you a tantalizing preview of what’s in store for the coming months.
First up, we have something special in the works for early 2024. We’ll be introducing retail packaging, allowing you to take a piece of Wanderlust with you wherever you go. This means you can enjoy the flavors and memories of our unique wine experiences from the comfort of your own home. We can’t wait to share this new way to savor the essence of Wanderlust with you.
But that’s not all. We’re also expanding our beloved speakeasy wine cave tasting experiences. Prepare to be delighted by new menus, including the exquisite pairing of champagne and caviar. These experiences are designed to elevate your wine journey, offering a touch of sophistication and luxury.
Behind the scenes, we’re growing and solidifying our Wanderlust family, including our team of talented sommeliers. With their expertise and passion, we aim to provide you with the highest level of service and knowledge in the world of wine.
And last but not least, we’re enhancing each of our venues to offer so much more for your day-to-day events and activations. Whether it’s an intimate gathering, a celebration, or a moment of relaxation, our spaces are evolving to make every visit a truly memorable one.
And there’s one more exciting announcement. We’re hard at work planning a food and wine festival scheduled for May 2024 at the prestigious Long Center. This event is a celebration of National Wine Day on May 25, and we can’t wait to share this extraordinary experience with you. It’s an opportunity to savor the finest wines, indulge in gourmet delights, and create unforgettable memories.
The future of Wanderlust Wine Co. is brimming with exciting developments, all centered around our commitment to providing you with exceptional wine experiences. We can’t wait to embark on these new adventures with you and continue creating unforgettable moments together. Stay tuned for more details as we journey forward. Cheers to the exciting times ahead!
If this looks like a lot of fun… it was! Long Center Members and our Business Arts Council enjoyed early Member Hours and more at this event. Consider joining the Long Center as an individual or as a corporate partner for ticket presales, Member Nights, and so many more perks all year-round at the Long Center. Here’s one last shout out and thank you to our venue sponsors, like Sammy and Wanderlust Wine Co. — cheers! 🥂
At the Long Center, we’ve always got a new partnership or something cool we know you’ll want to check out! Find and follow us @longcenter on your social media platform of choice, and we’ll see you real soon.
It’s the season for gathering with friends, family, and everyone in between, so we looked to our friend Edgar Yepez-García for some tips! Artistic Director for Ballet Folklórico de Austin, read on to find out how he builds community through good food, shared heritage, tradition, and of course — the arts.
My name is Edgar Yepez-García, and I am the Artistic Director of the Ballet Folklórico de Austin.
I started my dance career at the age of six when I had the opportunity to perform in elementary school. I fell in love with the lights, stage, and music of the theater, and most of all, the energy and enthusiasm of the audience. As a young adult, I auditioned for the Ballet Folklorico Tochtepetl — the premiere dance company in my hometown and surrounding areas. As a member of Tochtepetl, I was fortunate enough to travel throughout Mexico, North and Central America, sharing traditional Oaxacan dances with the world.
After moveing to Austin, I took on various roles such as hosting a radio show with Encino Broadcasting and Marketing, Social Media Director for local eatery Mour Cafe, and opened the food truck Los Danzantes ATX, which has beeen recognized by both Texas Monthly and Austin Eater as one of the best new food trucks in Texas. As I continued to get situated in this city, my love for Mexican Folklore and the performing arts was unwavering, and it was then I decided to establish the Ballet Folklórico de Austin in 2014.
Ballet Folklórico de Austin (BF Austin) is always looking for ways to use Mexican folk dance to bring together spanish-speaking families in a space where all people can feel at home, and feel a little closer to their roots. Guelaguetza Austin is the stellar project that I created with the aim of showing the cultural richness of my native Oaxaca. Over time, the Oaxaca Guelaguetza in Austin has become a meeting point for Mexicans from all over the country, with a large presence by our fellow Texan neighbors from Houston, Dallas, and other nearby regions.
The Guelaguetza Austin aims to reflect and honor the tradition and authenticity that is expected of the Oaxacan Guelaguetza. All costumes and props are sourced directly from artisans in Oaxaca to ensure that no detail is overlooked, and the richness of the culture is preserved.
Perhaps the most important factor to maintain is the language in which these stories are told on stage. Mexican folklore has been and will forever be passed down in Spanish. As we share our gift of the Guelaguetza on stages outside of Mexico and other Spanish-speaking countries, it is of vital importance that native languages of Oaxaca be honored. For this, I have received several accolades for my artistic work in the city, including the “Award of Excellence” from the Mexican American Cultural Center and “Guelaguetza Day Proclamation” by former Mayor of Austin, Steve Adler.
My unending commitment to the preservation of traditional Oaxacan dance and customs is matched only by my desire for a unified and supportive dance company. I emphasize to all of my dancers the importance of acceptance, respect, and humility. I foster a sense of community through collaboration, not competition, and find a way to challenge and grow my company through constructive means. I work to gracefully balance an unconditional acceptance for all company members, regardless of experience, age, or appearance, while also holding them to the high standards one expects of a professional performing arts company.
While the crown jewel of BF Austin remains the annual Guelaguetza, I find ways to celebrate all of Mexico, preserving the traditional dances of various regions. I build strong rapport with directors from different states of Mexico and bring in master dance educators to teach workshops where the traditional dances of their home states can be passed down and preserved.
BF Austin is comprised of dancers from all over Mexico, as well as some born and raised in the US. When in my studio, my dancers come together to share everything from cultural dances to regional dishes, and we proudly provide a way for many local Mexican Americans and other members of the Hispanic community to connect with their heritage. As Austin continues to grow and change rapidly, it is important to preserve a part of the community that gives Austin its charm — the artists.
We are always looking for new adventures and goals for our artist group! Our bigger desire is to become Guelaguetza Austin, one of the most popular Mexican attractions in Austin and perform annually at the Long Center. We are working with other cities around the nation to bring our performance to other regions, and begin touring around the US in 2024. In the meantime, we invite everyone to our annual winter repertoire where we will be showcasing two new regions added to our portfolio, Tabasco and Nayarit.
This year, we had the marvelous opportunity to perform for the first time in Dell Hall at the Long Center, which meant the world to us because we brought our dancers and our community to have the experience of a lifetime. In September, our kids and youth groups from our dance school also had the opportunity to perform at Long Center’s first-ever Community Day. What a privilege!
Agradezco con profundo respeto a los maestros pioneros de danza folclórica mexicana en Austin, Rodolfo “Rudy” Méndez & Roy Lozano por abrir una brecha para nuestra generación de nuevos soñadores, por ellos, por nuestros niños y jóvenes:
Que viva la danza folklórica mexicana en Austin!
Con respeto y agradecimiento,
Edgar Yepez-García
CHECK OUT OUR 2023 WRAP-UP REPORT
One of the most important things we do at the Long Center is make space as accessible as we can to the wide variety of organizations that make Austin what it is. This year, we’ve given over $315,000 in rental discounts to performing and artistic orgs like Ballet Folklórico de Austin. Take a look at all the other stuff we’ve been able to accomplish this year with the help of our ticket buyers, donors, Members, and you!
At the Long Center, we’ve always got a new partnership or something cool we know you’ll want to check out! Find and follow us @longcenter on your social media platform of choice, and we’ll see you real soon.
If the eyes are the windows to the soul, a camera’s gotta be the window to the arts… right? Enter: Brynn Osborn, LC fave and freelance photographer extraordinaire. In this Mid-Week Intermission, get to know Brynn, flip through some of their favorite shots, catch a glimpse of the Long Center through their lens (hehe) 📸
Howdy!
My name is Brynn and I’m a freelance photographer with a primary focus on live music and events.
I grew up in Corpus documenting life and people around me but I started taking it more seriously when I earned my BFA in photography from Texas State. I moved to Austin five years ago and my career has transformed into something I’m truly proud of, especially the way this community has embraced me. I feel really fortunate to work with local musicians and places like the Long Center to capture the essence of some incredibly fun events.
THE DROP-IN
This lawn has always been my ideal spot to see the city, especially when it’s Drop-In season and all of the cutest pups in town come by. This event is my favorite to shoot because it brings together happy people, summertime, and free live music– all at the prettiest time of the day.
WILD CHILD
In 2021, Kelsey Wilson and I met and she invited me to the studio to document what would become Wild Child’s latest record. A few days later they played The Drop-In and it was my first time attending and shooting here. This was also one of the first times I ever shot directly for a band and I remember sitting in this dressing room trying to play it cool with my new friends (but on the inside was a bundle of nerves).
COMMUNITY DAY
Community Day was a blast! I’m impressed with how many events and activations they managed to coordinate throughout the day. The more time I spend here the more I understand why families value having this space to come and experience art together.
ADRIAN QUESADA
I had a great time celebrating the Long Center’s 15th birthday with this Adrian Quesada show recently. I’m surprised it took me this long to see him perform, but Dell Hall was a perfect place for it because the crowds are such great listeners in this room.
SONG CONFESSIONAL
I’m a listener and friend of the Song Confessional podcast, so I was thrilled to learn that this booth was being installed in the lobby. Anyone can leave an anonymous voice message or “confession” that could be handed off to a musician to write an entire song about! The confession, song, and interview with the artist all wrap up into podcast episodes and are very entertaining, as you can imagine.
3D-PRINTED STAGE
This Urban Heat show on the world’s first 3D-printed stage was truly something else. I already knew the new stage would be beautiful to photograph, but pairing that with an electric performance and a fantastic crowd made for some exciting shots.
SELF PHOTO
I love calling Austin home and I’m thankful to the folks at the Long Center for continuing to support local photographers like me. When I’m not traveling with artists I’m running around town covering live shows, events, and whatever else excites me. As this Mid-Week Intermission goes out I will actually be on tour across the country with a local Austinite you may have heard of… Shakey Graves. If you’d like to see more of my work (or get in touch!) you can follow along on Instagram or my website.
At the Long Center, we’ve always got a new partnership or something cool we know you’ll want to check out! Find and follow us @longcenter on your social media platform of choice, and we’ll see you real soon.
Every artist has a story, and this year at the Long Center we’ve worked hard to put those voices front and center. We recognize the artist in everyone, so we’ve compiled some of our favorite stories from 2023 — from secret confessions to coming-of-age, and even stories that seem out of this world. All of them are 100% Austin.
As an arts non-profit in the heart of downtown, we know that creativity is vital! If you feel the same (and we think you probably do), consider making your year-end gift to the Long Center today, so we can all support Austin’s creatives & creativity together.
Dive into these stories from around our community that describe why creativity is at the center of our mission.
This is the premise of the Song Confessional Podcast, a collaboration between KUTX Studios and musicians Walker Lukens & Zac Catanzaro. Long story short, they collect stories (confessions, if you will), and then pair those stories with a local artist who creates a song out of it. Then everything gets revealed in an episode.
Big hits like Croy & The Boys’ “Don’t Let Me Die in Waco” have emerged from this creative process. You can check out the booth and give your own confession in our Rollins Lobby when you’re at the Long Center next.
In this coming-of-age story we followed Langston Lee, a Rouse High School alumnus. In his senior year, he captivated the Heller Awards for Young Artists — Long Center’s program and Tony Awards-style ceremony celebrating musical theatre in area high schools — and took home an award for Best Lead Performer. Next, he catapulted to Nationals and took home Best Performance by an Actor at The Jimmys in New York City. Incredible!
While not every student who particpates in the Heller Awards aspires to be on Broadway, the creativity on show every year never ceases to amaze us. Keep an ear to the ground for more about this free program soon.
Created by Austin-based company ICON Build as a gift to the city, this stage is layer upon layer of 3d-printed concrete, framed by our iconic skyline view. This story comes to you from Brooke Baugess, an ICON VP, and includes ins and outs about its construction, ICON’s vision for the future, and the creativity it took to bring this project to fruition.
Now we can firmly say that we feel as though we’re in the future, and anyone performing on our lawn is experiencing an out-of-this-world performance space as creative as they are. Have you experienced it yet?
We love this story from local band Flora & Fawna because it proves how young local musicians continue to innovate in Austin.
A highlight of The Drop-In’s lineup this year was duo Lili Hickman and Mason Ables, two native Austinites who chose to rejuvenate an a-typical genre for the Austin scene — pop. In a town where indie music with a bluegrass edge tends to rule the roost, Flora & Fawna are looking at how new crowds and a more diverse music scene can keep Austin’s creatives moving at the speed of sound.
If you attended The Drop-In this year, chances are a blond, long-haired beauty caught your eye — we’re talking about Tater, the mini dachshund of Austinite Jo!
Jo & Tater are proud Long Center Members who see their support of our non-profit as a direct line to everything they love about this city — its creativity, thriving arts scene, and the community it brings with it. Plus, you never know who or what you might discover at The Drop-In!
As the Long Center is expanding what it means to be a performing arts center in Austin, we’re actively working to showcase and support more types of creativity over and above what happens on our stages.
For a walk on the visual arts side, this story comes from local muralist & painter Adrian Landon Brooks. We collaborated with him on a Long Center tote to celebrate our 15th Anniversary, our commitment to local artists of every kind and, of course, the power of creativity. ⚡
There you have it — this is what we mean when we say that creatvitiy is vital.
For all the other ways we’ve supported Austin creatives this year, check out our 2023 Wrap-Up Report. With a donation today, you’re helping the Long Center expand and strengthen creative connections across all of Austin, next year and beyond!
At the Long Center, we’ve always got a new partnership or something cool we know you’ll want to check out! Find and follow us @longcenter on your social media platform of choice, and we’ll see you real soon.
It’s finally fall here at the Long Center and that means we get to enjoy a very special presentation of The Sound of (Black) Music out on the lawn! To learn more about the show that has reimagined The Sound of Music, the classic musical that everyone knows, into an Afrofuturistic wonderland that everyone won’t be able to live without, we sat down with Electric Root’s Kamilah Long (Co-Director of the show) and Jono Gasparro (Producer) to hear all about it. So grab your lonely goatherd and prepare to add The Sound of (Black) Music to your list of favorite things.
MEET THE SOUND OF (BLACK) MUSIC TEAM
Long Center: Firstly, a thing we like to do for fun — what song should people put on while they read this interview?
Kamilah Long, Co-Director: Social Call – Samara Joy
Jono Gasparro, Producer: Jump To It – Aretha Franklin
LC: We hear that the very beginning is a very good place to start. What’s the story behind how The Sound of (Black) Music came about? How does the instrumentation and reimagined score tell that story?
JG: It all began via creative “how-do-we-change-the-world-with-black-music” conversations between Michael Mwenso, myself, and Caleb Hammons who was the Artistic Producer of the Fisher Center at Bard College in 2020. Those conversations evolved into a revolutionary two-week artistic residency in the summer of 2021 with our organization, Electric Root, and the Fisher Center called “Black Roots Summer” where we brought 30 artists up the Hudson River (NY) to create three new shows. One of which was the “Sound of (Black) Music.”
We had asked the brilliant Mathis Picard to work on the music arrangements, but we needed the genius of theatremakers Kamilah Long and Shariffa Ali to put it all together, so they fortunately accepted our invitation and joined us at “Black Roots Summer” to direct this concept into a show.
KL: Shariffa and I had to house this new vision into a story that fit. We had to envision and create circumstances for the music to come alive in this imaginary world that doesn’t exist.
Ultimately, it was a new multidisciplinary approach that lends itself to the improvisational aspect of jazz — keeping it loose for the music to live — while at the same time serving the need to have cues so we could tell a story beyond a stagnant concert and address the two sets of characters involved (the musicians/and the players of characters).
LC: What elements of the original Sound of Music musical made it a great candidate for reinvention?
KL: In Electric Root we always talk about building community while centering love. It can feel like almost everyone knows and loves the Sound of Music so it becomes an easy avenue to communicate with people. Similar to when Shakespeare is presented — which is still taught in schools — the Sound of Music is one of those musicals that most have seen or come by throughout their childhood in some way. So it’s very familiar and easy to have a common understanding with the audience of what this music was.
LC: We know that you take this show on the road. In your view, what’s the element that makes this show relatable to so many different types of people across the country?
JG: Continuing from what Kamilah mentioned in the last question, part of our mission at Electric Root is to unite and empower diverse communities across the US with love and radical hospitality, and we are really seeing that The Sound of Music transcends generational, socioeconomic, and racial borders — and is a source of joy for so many hearts. We have been blessed to see so many relive their youthful bliss while witnessing the look in young children’s eyes when they see themselves (for the first time) in this storied music.
KL: I believe it also resonates so deeply because the lyrics and melodies remain unchanged, but filled with newness. I still think of how Shakespeare is presented in this time, it’s rare to see the work with actors in an Elizabethan wardrobe. Shakespeare is often set in a modern setting to make it relatable and bring in new audiences. So The Sound of (Black) Music is a way to bridge what is now while also nodding to the past.
LC: What do you hope individuals take with them from the performance?
KL: I would say a fuller appreciation for Black music, jazz, afrobeats, etc., and the deep contribution that Black Roots music has and continues to have on our collective Joy, our life, love, and our entertainment. I hope everyone leaves with a sense of Joy and Healing in their hearts.
JG: Amen.
LC: Okay, lightning round. What’s everyone’s favorite song from the show?
KL: Oh, that’s going to cause problems! I can’t have a favorite out loud! Well, since there are two in one song — the Lonely Goatherd is special and so much fun — featuring great vocalists Chareene Wade and Brianna Thomas.
JG: Yeah, this one is hard, because the show continues to keep me on the edge of my seat for each song, and there are no favorites! But I will say I love the impact and depth of “Edelweiss” (as long as I have a tissue in my pocket).
LC: Any future projects on the horizon for The Sound of (Black) Music team?
KL: We are searching for a home to spend a good full two weeks (or more!) with The Sound of (Black) Music to take it to the next stage and experiment with getting it to a full musical adaptaion.
JG: Always so much moving at Electric Root! We are continuing to deepen and expand our partnership with performing arts organizations to envision new approaches to uniting, uplifting, and celebrating communities across the nation.
THE SOUND OF (BLACK) MUSIC
November 11
Hartman Lawn @ Long Center
This event is outdoors — blankets & lawn chairs encouraged.
Join us for the show on November 11 out on the lawn and the new 3d-printed pavilion stage. Bring your lawn chairs and blankets and prepare to be inspired! The Sound of (Black) Music kicks off at 7pm.
Special thanks to Six Square and the rest of our community partners, Austin Area Urban League, Austin Justice Coalition, Austin NAACP, Black Leaders Collective, Origin Studio House, and Saffron Trust.
You probably know by now that creativity is our favorite thing, especially when it’s the creativity of our own staff and volunteers! Look no further than Long Center’s Michael Gaona, Director of Facilities. Read on in this Mid-Week Intermission to learn about his origin story and wide range of super creative hobbies. Meanwhile, we’ll busy ourselves with some of the home-baked goods he brought to the office this morning. 🧁
Heya folks!
My name is Michael Gaona and I am the Director of Facilities here at the Long Center.
I’m originally from San Antonio and moved here in 2009. I live in South Austin with my wife Luna, daughter Milu, and two dogs, Rascal and Gizmo.
My oldest daughter lives in San Antonio with my three beautiful grandkids. Yes, I’m a PAPA, as they call me!
I grew up in a family that loved music! It seemed to be part of everything we did. From barbeques to birthday parties, and even ritual Sundays when my mom and aunts would clean their houses. I remember being at my grandmother’s when I was younger, watching her cook and clean listening to Sunny Ozuna, Augustine Ramirez, and Little Joe, dancing while she dusted… I do the same to this day.
I guess this is where my love of music came from. I listen to pretty much everything, but my faves are punk, rockabilly, new wave, old soul and R&B. As a teen, I was drummer and lead guitar for a couple of going-nowhere bands — we played covers from AC/DC to Metallica and a lot of ’80s hair bands. I was also in a MISFITS cover band. The experience of performing in front of an audience made it all worth it.
The music thing never took off, so I joined the NAVY right out of high school in 1991 where I was a GM (Gunner’s Mate) on the John F. Kennedy until 1996. Soon after, I began my career in Multifamily Housing. I attended San Antonio College where I received my Bachelor’s in electrical engineering with emphasis in Commercial and Residential construction, which brought me here to Austin in 2009 to work for a Multifamily Residential builder.
I also attended Everest Technical College here in Austin and received my Universal HVAC License, where I graduated with honors and was class valedictorian in 2011. After graduation, I was asked to become an evening and weekend instructor for the HVAC and Electrical program there, but that ended when the school closed in 2016.
I started to dabble in tattooing and costume & prop making for a couple of friends I met here, which blossomed — my creative spark was lit again!! After others had seen what I had made, I was commissioned to create post-apocalyptic outfits for others who frequently attended a festival called Wasteland Weekend, held in Edwards, California, around September-October. It’s a fully-immersive festival where people dress and live in a post-apocalyptic setting.
In doing these, I was introduced to someone who worked on films here in Austin. I was asked to help with a few low budget films and then worked on a couple of shows and movies that were being filmed here as well. All this was happening while working my day job as a Maintenance Supervisor and raising my daughter Milu, born June 1, 2013 — she’s 10 now. After a couple of years, I had to make the tough decision to stop and focus my spare time on her. I still create costumes and props in my free time, though.
Since 2016, I’ve had the opportunity to work for some amazing companies, wich gave me the experience and knowledge I have now. Sadly, COVID hit, and I was laid off from one of the most amazing positions I thought I would ever have. I took to baking to cope with the stress of the job loss and pass the time until I was back on my feet, and I actually became pretty good at it. I found a position with a company that didn’t last through the crazy snowstorm of 2021, and then after that, I found myself here at the Long Center, working alongside amazing people with lots of talent.
The venue and atmosphere here are beyond belief. Being part of an organization that puts on some of the most amazing shows, from ballet to orchestras, as well as other kinds of events, AND gives so much to the community is awesome! My favorite experience after joining the Long Center team was standing on the edge of the Ring Beam looking over the Austin skyline. Thinking back to that moment, I can now say it’s the best place to work and I have the best postion I could ever have.
Can’t wait to see you in the audience…
— Michael
At the Long Center, we’ve always got a new partnership or something cool we know you’ll want to check out! Find and follow us @longcenter on your social media platform of choice, and we’ll see you real soon.
Dia de Muertos is around the corner and Hispanic Heritage Month has begun! If you attended a Drop-In show this summer or stopped by Community Day, chances are you had a conversation with Olivia Tamzarian from Austin’s Mexican American Cultural Center. In this Mid-Week Intermission, hear about what the MACC’s been up to, why this season is her favorite, and more from our friend Olivia.
Meet Olivia Tamzarian, Culture & Arts Marketing and Outreach rep at the Mexican American Cultural Center (MACC)
If you’re wondering about my last name… yes, it’s unique. It’s Armenian! I come from a multiethnic family, and maybe that’s why I’ve always been passionate about Latino culture. I studied Mexican Art at Bard College and was so in love with Frida Kahlo that I moved to Mexico. A year later, I found myself in Austin, and like so many 23-year-olds who are starting out here, I found a studio apartment on East Riverside. With no car, I learned this city on my bicycle.
It was 2006, when Austin was going through a major boom. The Palmer Events Center had just been rebuilt, and I would ride my bike along Riverside to outdoor movie nights on the Long Center lawn. The small-town vibe still existed, and the Austin I got to know was exploding with creatives and young people. I formed a close community of friends at the old Ruta Maya on South Congress who introduced me to the music of Grupo Fantasma and brought me to my first ACL Fest. I was hooked!
That was the same year the Emma S. Barrientos Mexican American Cultural Center (MACC) was built. Who knew back then that I would be working in the cultural arts full-time with the MACC? I worked at the Mexic-Arte Museum first, where I taught screenprinting for youth in Dove Springs. Now, my position at the MACC is still in outreach to the community. There’s very few places in Austin that are dedicated only to preserving Latino culture. The MACC is located in the Rainey Street area, a historically Mexican-American neighborhood that, like my Riverside neighborhood, has become almost unrecognizable due to gentrification (you can read more about Olivia’s fight for preservation here). I’m proud to be an ally and help the MACC stand its ground in downtown Austin, to make sure we preserve the Mexican and Latino culture in the heart of our city.
In Austin I have found the deepest sense of community. I get to meet so many artists — muralists, actors, musicians — and I also enjoy salsa dancing and I have my own visual arts practice. I’m lucky I found a job where I can integrate my artistic practice into my promotional efforts for the MACC. In September 2022, I constructed two “quinceneara” skirts to promote the MACC’s Viva Mexico celebration. In November, I’ll be painting kids’ faces for Day of the Dead celebrations at the Long Center and the Pan Am Rec Center, where the MACC’s big events in 2023 are taking place while we expand our building.
The MACC is a special place in Austin, and when we reopen after the construction, it’s going to be beautiful to see all the people gathering in joyous celebrations like Dia de Muertos. It warms my heart to see artwork by kids, to see them picking up cultural traditions from their grandparents, and engaging with their whole family at the MACC. My favorite thing we do all year is celebrate Day of the Dead, which is a way of celebrating the cycle of life and strengthening a cultural connection to Mexico.
We’re entering Latinx Heritage month now — my favorite time of year! I love this city and never want to leave. And despite all its changes, in the end, Austin is still a small town in my eyes.
UP NEXT AT THE LONG CENTER
Join us and the MACC at the Long Center November 8th for Disney Pixar’s Coco Live-to-Film Concert featuring the Orquesta Folclórica Nacional de México! Watch the entire film with Michael Giacchino’s award-winning score performed live on stage.
At the Long Center, we’ve always got a new partnership or something cool we know you’ll want to check out! Find and follow us @longcenter on your social media platform of choice, and we’ll see you real soon.
